Data Security

In 2009, approximately 2,000 restaurants were the victims of credit card data theft, three times more than the number of restaurants attacked in 2008. Significant criminal threats targeting the restaurant industry continue to evolve and are rapidly increasing, because many restaurants lack the proper perimeter security tools, including firewalls, anti-virus software and secure remote access tools. As small business data security breaches explode in number, over 50% of the businesses compromised undergo disruptive business changes or do not survive the attack at all.

At the same time, various Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) mandates and deadlines are occurring this year and confusion around these PCI-related communications continues to increase. No one “silver bullet” exists that will make your restaurant PCI compliant, and unfortunately, many restaurant owners are not focused on how to protect themselves and their business from data security related risks.

If you are the owner or manager of a restaurant that stores, processes or transmits credit card information, your restaurant is required to be compliant with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard. Being compliant goes beyond simply implementing a data security standard validated payment application, like your restaurant POS software, and is not a “one-time” act. Remaining compliant with data security standards and remaining secure at your site(s) requires ongoing commitment and actions from you and your staff.